ITV

Tag: History

  • Explore these audiobooks and films on Kargil War’s 25th anniversary

    Explore these audiobooks and films on Kargil War’s 25th anniversary

    Mumbai: As the 25th anniversary of the Kargil War approaches, there’s no better time to deep dive and explore the stories that defined this historic conflict. From untold tales of bravery and sacrifice to firsthand accounts from those who led the charge, these audiobooks and films offer a tribute to the heroes of Kargil. Each story outdoes the other and by the end of it, we are certain you would be in complete awe of our soldiers and everything they do for us at the border. With this curated listen and watch list, enrich your understanding and appreciation of one of India’s most significant military victories.

    Kargil: Untold Stories From The War

    What drives a martyr’s father to visit a young Kashmiri girl every year? What compels an elderly man in Palampur to relentlessly seek justice for his fallen soldier son? Like the title of this audiobook suggests, there are many untold tales of a war that remain buried beneath the surface. We know just a fraction of the things that actually occurred. In Kargil: Untold Stories From The War, the author speaks to war survivors and martyrs’ families, and brings to light stories of extraordinary human courage from the mountains of Kargil. Tune in and uncover the stories that deserve to be heard!

    Kargil: From Surprise To Victory

    Audible brings to you the story of the Kargil War from the man in charge, General V. P. Malik. Malik was the Chief of the Indian Army at the time of the war. He led the planning, coordination and execution of the operation. In this audiobook, the author shares his first hand experience at Kargil along with afterthoughts on important lessons for India’s defence preparedness. This book is a testimony to the unparalleled heroism displayed by our troops. Listen to this story by the General who led the Indian army through an operation which went onto become a benchmark for bravery.

    The Kargil Girl

    Written by the Kargil girl herself, Flt Lt Gunjan Saxena shares with us her nerve wracking story from the war. She was 29 years old when she was called in to help at the war zone. This call came at a time when female pilots were yet to be employed in war zones. From airdropping vital supplies to Indian troops in the Dras and Batalik regions and evacuating casualties in the midst of the ongoing battle, to informing seniors of enemy positions – she fearlessly discharged her duties during this important war for India. In the book, she elaborates several incidents from the war including one of narrowly escaping a Pakistani rocket missile during one of her sorties. Tune into her autobiography to know how Gunjan Saxena rightfully earned the name of The Kargil Girl.

    The Kargil Story: Tales of Valour and Sacrifice from the summer of 1999

    There were five important battles which were the turning points in the Kargil War for India—namely, Tololing, Tiger Hill, Three Pimples, Pt. 4875, and Khalubar. In this audiobook, Deepak Surana, gives us a glimpse of these five very crucial combats. He brings to us stories directly from over 100 heroes who fought on the line of fire for us. These stories talk of not just camaraderie between soldiers even in the harshest circumstances but also of unbeatable courage and a bulletproof spirit. Stay tuned to discover astonishing stories from this audiobook, which is set to release on 26th July on Audible.

    Shershaah

    This biographical war film is inspired from the life of Captain Vikram Batra. During the Kargil War, Batra exposed himself to enemy fire while trying to evacuate an injured soldier. He was shot in the head and chest This was just 19 days before Kargil Vijay Diwas. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the highest Indian military decoration, for his courage and sacrifice during the Kargil War. Batra was loved and admired by his fellow soldiers and was given the codename “Shershaah’. The movie Shershaah captures his contribution to the Kargil War alongside his love story with Dimple Cheema. The roles are played by the much loved Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani.

    Lakshya

    A fiction story inspired set at the backdrop of the Kargil War, director Farhan Akhtar brings to you a cult classic. We see a young aimless man transform into a brave soldier who goes on to lead the army during the Kargil War, played by Hrithik Roshan. This movie is considered one of his best performances to date. The realistic portrayal of the war scenes makes you feel like you are amidst the Kargil War while you secretly root for Hrithik Roshan as he courageously fights opponents and he reunites with his love interest. 

  • HistoryTV18’s docuseries: Marvels & Mysteries with William Dalrymple returns

    HistoryTV18’s docuseries: Marvels & Mysteries with William Dalrymple returns

    Mumbai: History TV18’s award-winning docuseries, India: Marvels & Mysteries returns in a brand new season, with noted Indophile and author William Dalrymple. The quest to uncover forgotten facts, revisit centuries-old stories lost to time, begins anew. The show explores historical sites, revisits cold trails and shines the light on unanswered questions about India’s incredible past and her many wonders, like never before. It also offers new perspectives on mighty empires, characters from Indian history, our ancestors, and their knowledge of complex phenomena. The series comprises half-hour thematic episodes, each with multiple stories that traverse the length and breadth of India, spanning millennia. India: Marvels & Mysteries with William Dalrymple starts on the 4t January, 2024 with new episodes every Thursday and Friday at 9 PM, exclusively on History TV18.

    The show will take audiences on an immersive exploration of India. Each episode in the seven-part series promises an unforgettable experience. Dramatic recreations with actors in period costumes bring to life amazing stories and untold histories behind India’s enigmatic structures – from jaw-dropping marvels and celebrated monuments to relatively little-known sites, across dynasties and periods. The stories engage, inform and entertain, with brilliant visuals filmed all over the country, illustrative graphics and archival images. The fact-rich storytelling strives to distinguish between legend and legacy, supported by a stellar cast of expert commentators, led by historian and world-famous author, William Dalrymple. The show’s ambition is to transport a new generation of viewers into the richness and diversity of India’s past, inspiring a renewed appreciation for the sites, structures and marvels that are India’s incredible heritage.

    Speaking ahead of the show’s launch, William Dalrymple commented, “History provides a road map by which we can understand where we stand in the present and how we got here. Without it we are lost. It was a huge pleasure to work with HistoryTV18 on this beautifully shot series and I can’t wait to hear people’s astonished reactions to some of the forgotten treasures we’ve dug up.”

    Travelling across the country, the show gives an account of some of the country’s grandest architectural wonders, as well as of historical locations whose past is shrouded in mystery. Expert insights provide the context and the modern-day significance of each story and the historical figures in them, while the dramatisations are sure to keep audiences engaged.

    Speaking about the docuseries Arun Thapar president – AETN18 content & communication says, “We are absolutely thrilled to have William Dalrymple on the show. His perspectives and insights have been invaluable. Our association with a writer of Dalrymple’s calibre and renown, epitomises HistoryTV18’s commitment to great storytelling and world class content produced in India.”

    The show promises a wondrous trip through time, in what is possibly the oldest and most diverse country in the world, whose enduring legacy has been shaped by the confluence of cultures, know-how, and artistic traditions. From India’s temples and forts to entire medieval cities and even structures from prehistory, the show packs in a lot.

    Temples for instance have played a central role in the cultural, social, religious and economic life of communities and regions across India, for all of recorded history. The series makes some noteworthy inclusions. The grandeur and complexity of some of these sacred structures is a testament to their significance. It also points to the surprising level of knowledge that existed in the ancient times in which these were built. The show explores what is known and more interestingly, what is not.

    Prepare to be enthralled by the ethereal beauty of the Chaturmukh Jain Temple at Ranakpur, an unrivalled architectural marvel adorned with over a thousand pillars and sculptures. Witness the stunning collection of sculptures from the 16 and 17 centuries in a little-known temple in Thirukurungudi, Tamil Nadu. Be transported to the world’s largest monolithic structure crafted from a hill to create a temple. Experience the mystical power of Gods carved into a rock face in remote Tripura. All this and a lot more is on offer in HistoryTV18’s one-of-a-kind original series.  

    Enter the world of two of India’s charismatic women rulers and the iconic structures they built – Rani Udaymati’s stepwell in Gujarat and the elegant mausoleum built by mughal empress Noor Jahan.

    Time travel to mighty Mewar, with its warrior king and its exceptional citadel and then further south into the Deccan under a tyrant, to encounter tales of tragedy and horror that serve as reminders of the murderous ways of medieval times. Visit Bijapur, once seat of a surprising sultan and home to one of the world’s largest domes. Pass through the highest gateway and lose yourself in the tales of two medieval cities. These were once the crown jewels of the dynasties they served, but now they are abandoned and part of world heritage. Venture into the unknown to unearth the stories behind mysterious Hire Bennakal and Narthiang, whose origins have been lost to time and whose secrets may endure forever.

    The seven-part documentary series promises viewers an unparalleled experience. Merging re-enactments, authentic storytelling, an exploration of legends and popular narratives, along with an examination of known facts, the show breathes new life into historic places, as never before.

    Arun Thapar adds, “India: Marvels and Mysteries with William Dalrymple is a selection of compelling stories about the creative genius of ancient and medieval India, her great wealth of knowledge and the many wonders that have endured into the present. The show delves into history across empires and dynasties, peopled with remarkable characters who played a part in shaping the story of India.”

    India: Marvels and Mysteries, Premieres 4 January 2024 9 PM,

    Every Thursday-Friday, only on History TV18

  • ‘Caribbean with Simon Reeve’ on BBC world news

    ‘Caribbean with Simon Reeve’ on BBC world news

    MUMBAI: In this series Simon Reeve’s travels around the Caribbean coast abound with adventure and wildlife, as he unveils incredible insights into a glorious region of the world. With breath-taking footage from land, sea, and even from a flying dinghy, the three-part series brings to life the unique stories and beautiful landscapes of the Caribbean. Home to thousands of islands and a tropical mainland coast, the area is crammed full of history, culture, conflict, and colourful characters, all of which gives Simon endless opportunity to explore.

    Episode One

    Sat 6th Jan

    06:40am, 08.40pm

    Sun 7th Jan

    02:40pm

    Episode Two

    Sat 13th Jan

    06:40am, 08.40pm

    Sun 14th Jan

    02:40pm

    Episode Three

    Sat 20th Jan

    06:40am, 08.40pm

    Sun 21st Jan

    02:40pm

  • JAINHITS expands dual language feeds to three more channels

    JAINHITS expands dual language feeds to three more channels

    NEW DELHI: JAINHITS, India’s only HITS platform in operation at present, is extending audio feeds in dual languages to three more channels at no additional cost to its customers with immediate effect.

     

    Disney, Cartoon Network and Pogo are the new channels to get audio language feeds. This is in addition to four channels which are already being beamed in dual languages.

     

     Earlier, this facility was available on Discovery, History, TV18, Animal Planet and Nickelodeon. Through this offering, JAINHITS customers can choose to have an audio option in Hindi or English languages.

     

     JAINHITS has also announced that it will shortly be adding more channels with dual audio feeds. Later, it will also go into multi-lingual audio feeds from the current dual language feeds offered.

     

     The platform currently provides its customers with more than 250 channels and plans to increase the number of its channels to 500, in the near future.

     

     The company provides MPEG-4 quality digital cable TV services including SD/HD channels from regional, national and International broadcasters.

  • Anatomy of the top 100 brands 2013

    Anatomy of the top 100 brands 2013

    MUMBAI: This year, Apple has re-written history by replacing Coca-Cola, the number one brand for the past 13 years, as the new numero uno in the coveted top 100 global brands announced by brand consultancy, Interbrand.

    Interestingly, it’s not as if Coca-Cola got it wrong this time round. Rather, the FMCG brand has been on a successful spree; winning awards, launching brilliant campaigns, and engaging people in popular initiatives like Coke Studio. Just that technology and new media have emerged leaders this year.

    Ashish Mishra says the report tries to find an answer to who really leads the brand the marketer or the consumer, or both

    Says Interbrand India managing director Ashish Mishra: “If we look at the top five or ten, its technology and new media which is leading the pack and this is the trend all across.”

    The top 10 brands convey a message: A brand today has got to be all about the people. And how anticipation, co creation, conversation, innovation, investment in people & big data, strategic CSR and new leadership is the new way ahead. Mishra goes on to say that Apple has climbed the charts because of the Apple culture is has fashioned across the globe.

    East is East, West is West

    What emerges from the list is that most of the top 100 brands belong to the Western world. So is it to do with our white fixation or the fact that brands from the US, UK, Germany or France have made a name for themselves globally?

    “A brand needs to be where the top 10 GDPs are,” says Ashish, adding that apart from the brands’ financial performance, their role in influencing consumer choice, the strength they command as also recognition across the globe are important factors while determining their value.

    What is more unfortunate is that no Indian brand figures in the top 100. The consultancy reasons it’s all about diversification.

    Mishra explains that post Independence, India grew at a fast clip while business grew in various directions. For example, Tata today means different things i.e. Tata Steel, Tata Motors, TCS etc. to different people. Ditto for other Indian conglomerates, which diversified into different brands and sub-brands, which in turn grew bigger than the mother brand in some cases.

    “An organisational structure is important and somewhere down the line, custody of sub-brands was handed over to people (CEOs, CMOs, CFOs etc) who took charge but forgot to work towards the mother brand,” says Mishra of the irony of the Indian market.

    The agency is helping many companies in India to bridge the gap and be part of the global brands. And to achieve it, the agency feels the companies need to have an inside-outside perspective wherein they need to go to the right markets after creating a name for themselves here as well as compete with the global counterparts on the same parameters.

    Media not so savvy

    Of the top 100, the only media brands are Disney, Thomson Reuters, Discovery (new entrant this year) and MTV. Implying that while media may be the most influential opinion maker for readers and viewers, it somehow fails to impress brand creators.
    While the consultancy does evaluate media brands excluding publishing houses, very few made it to the list. Also, the consultancy made an exception for India and China by taking into consideration government-owned brands because of their sheer number in these countries.

    “The names in the list are the most influential brands globally. But if you look at the media in a broader context, then many other brands too would be included. For example, Facebook,” says Ashish. Incidentally, the top 30 brands evaluated by the consultancy in India did not have a single name from the media.
    Whatever may be the case, the names that figure on the list demonstrate that these brands have indeed managed to deliver meaningful and seamless experiences across all platforms and touch points.

    Click here for Interbrand‘s Best 100 Global Brands

  • Foxtel Debuts IPTV Service

    Foxtel Debuts IPTV Service

    MUMBAI: Foxtel has launched a new Internet TV service, Foxtel Play, which allows customers with a broadband connection to watch programming live or on a catch-up basis.

    The series is currently live, ahead of its official launch on 11 August. Foxtel Play is delivered over the Internet, initially eligible on Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox 360 and computers. Customers can watch a range of sports, drama, entertainment, documentary and movie channels live or on demand with no lock-in contract or installation costs. The packages feature more than 40 live channels, including Showcase, Fox8, History, National Geographic, FX, MTV and more. There are also hundreds of VOD titles.

    The Foxtel Go service will be available to Foxtel Play customers as part of their subscription. This will allow customers to access Foxtel Go on up to two registered devices, including iPads and select Samsung smartphones and tablets.

    Foxtel chief executive Richard Freudenstein said, “We‘re thrilled to offer Foxtel Play as a new way to introduce more people to our unparalleled programming. Our core set-top box subscribers are already experiencing great features, including Foxtel Go and On Demand. Now, Foxtel Play gives even more Australians who might not be able to access the core service the freedom and flexibility to enjoy Foxtel across multiple connected devices and at price points to suit different budgets and tastes.”

    Foxtel‘s executive director of product Jim Rudder added, “Foxtel Play broadens our internet TV service and gives customers a Foxtel internet TV offering across a host of devices. We‘ve also had fantastic feedback to Foxtel Go since its launch and have responded by upping the number and type of devices customers can use to access it.”

  • India, special guest country in 2013

    India, special guest country in 2013

    The Festival de Cannes has chosen Goa to announce it is to welcome a large delegation from the Indian film industry to Cannes to celebrate the one hundred years since the birth of cinema in India.

    The 43rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and Film Bazaar 2012, taking place in Goa until November 30th 2012 with the support of the Indian Ministry of Culture, present the ideal moment to announce that India, in 2013, is to be the third 'guest country' at Cannes, following Egypt in 2011 and Brazil this year.

    The Festival de Cannes is delighted to celebrate one of the most important countries in the world of cinema, a country with a prestigious history and tradition, one whose current day and creative impulses are a perennial example of vitality.

    Exact details of the celebrations will be announced at a later date.

    The Festival de Cannes will be taking place from May 15th to 26th, 2013.

  • OMD India wins media duties of Zovi & Travel Trendz

    OMD India wins media duties of Zovi & Travel Trendz

    MUMBAI: OMD India has won the media mandates of Zovi and Travel Trendz following a multi-agency pitch that took place a month ago. The combined account size is estimated to be around Rs 180-200 million.

    The accounts will be handled out of the agency‘s Bengaluru office.
    Zovi is an online fashion brand that offers a wide range of products across men, women, and kids apparel and accessories.

    Travel Trendz is a travel and tourism channel promoted by the Agri Gold Group. The programming of the channel focuses on genres such as history, heritage and culture, adventure tourism, eco tourism, world art and culture, celebrity and festivals of the world.

  • History appoints MPG as its agency on record

    History appoints MPG as its agency on record

    MUMBAI: The A + E Networks and TV 18 JV has taken MPG onboard for media duties for the soon-to-be-launched History channel in India. History will focus on factual entertainment. The agency will work on the media strategy for the launch of History channel and sustenance thereof in India.

    MPG was appointed for the account, following pitches made by four agencies.

    A+E Networks TV18 JV president Ajay Chacko said, “The subject history has always been associated with the past in India, but with the all new HISTORY channel, we hope to hange people‘s perception of history. The channel today is contemporary, it‘s also about action & adventure. It is about people making history every day. We found the MPG approach to be thorough and insightful. Their strategic thinking, drive and passion give us the confidence to believe that MPG India will truly help us make HISTORY in India and we are looking forward to making this genre as popular in India as it is around the world.”

    A+E Networks TV18 JV GM marketing Sangeetha Aiyer, said, “We have extensive and ambitious plans for the launch of History in India. Being familiar with the agency‘s work, we completely trust MPG to deliver as per our expectations.”

    MPG South Asia CEO Anita Nayyar said, “History‘s launch in India is a landmark development in itself and we are pleased to have won the marketing teams confidence. The team at MPG that worked on the pitch is personally passionate about History‘s content and this passion is what helped us clinch the business.”

    MPG executive director of for West India Kunal Jamuar said, “History channel has a loyal following in most countries it is present in and we feel fortunate to have been tasked to build a buzz around a channel of such distinction. We have put together some interesting plans, which will be rolled out in the next few months. Our aim is to skyrocket the channel into the minds of Indian audiences.”

    History will position itself as having content which is gripping and racy.

  • Nat Geo Intl opens production firm in London

    Nat Geo Intl opens production firm in London

    MUMBAI: National Geographic Television International (NGTI) has set up a production outfit Change Productions in London.

    Media reports state that the firm will be helmed by former Wall to Wall executive producer Ben Goold. The production firm will specialise in high-quality factual programming for both UK and international broadcasters, mainly in the science, natural world, history, archaeology, arts, culture and religion genres.

    NGTI president Ian Jones says that it has diversified considerably in the past year. now it represents kids’ programming, has a head of business development for digital media and continue to increase the third-party hours that it represents.

    “Change Productions will operate in the UK independent production sector, focusing on the best opportunities for the team with U.K. and international broadcasters”.